24 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 
Some time ago a study of the salt deposits of the State was under- 
taken, but unfortunately both investigators are no longer with the 
Department. It would seem highly important now that the work 
of this previous investigation be completed as soon as possible so 
that those desiring the information may have access to it. 
At present Professor Harold L. Alling is engaged in the investi- 
gation of the agencies and distribution of our salt deposits. His 
report, when completed, will be of special interest in indicating the 
geological history of the salt and also the possibilities of further 
development. Such a report should doubtless be supplemented by a 
technical study that will make a direct appeal to the: salt industry in 
its present refined status. 
Mineral statistics. The arrangement entered into a few years 
ago with the United States Geological Survey for the collection of 
statistics showing the annual production of the natural resources 
of the State is being continued. Through this arrangement not 
only is the annual production of our mineral wealth made available, 
but we are enabled thereby to keep in close touch with the various 
new enterprises and developments taking place in the mineral 1n- 
dustry, which leads to correspondence with many of the producing 
firms through which much geological information is obtained. The 
last comprehensive report on the mineral industry was issued in 1921. 
Statistics and notes on the industry since that time are being incor- 
porated into a report including the statistics for the year 1923, which, 
however, are not yet complete. The high record for mineral pro- 
duction was in 1920 with a value of more than $78,000,000. 
Molding sand. In conjunction with the American Foundrymen’s 
Association a special restudy of the molding sands of the Hudson 
river district was inaugurated, the field work being carried on by 
Mr C. M. Nevin of Cornell University. The Albany molding sand 
has a wide repute and is the most familiar of any to foundrymen 
generally. For this reason it was regarded very proper that the 
first systematic investigation to be carried on under this cooperative 
arrangement should be in the Hudson river field. The sands are 
to be submitted to the newly standardized molding sand tests, to- 
gether with the practical application of the result of these tests 
which are essentially these: permeability, cohesiveness and fineness 
or grain size. The publication of the results of these tests upon 
the Albany grades will, it is believed, form the basis for an agree- 
ment between the producers and the foundrymen as to the meaning 
and limits of the Albany sands. 
